Celebrating the Launch of the Overton Jane Austen Trails

This weekend saw the launch of the Overton Jane Austen Trails. Overton is a village close to Steventon where Jane Austen often went shopping and to visit her brother, James, who was Curate at St Mary's Church - you may have read my blog post about Overton from a few years ago and seen the buildings with connections to Jane Austen. 

I was excited to learn that there would be trails dedicated to Jane Austen's Overton;  it is so lovely to be able to walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen in these lovely, idyllic localities around the home of her childhood and youth, and a trail is always a great help! 

The launch weekend has included a variety of events, such as guided walks, talks, exhibitions, fairs and performances. Today, I attended the unveiling of the Overton Jane Austen Trails Information Board in front of the community hall and the library, right at the heart of Overton. 

The Board was unveiled by the Deputy Mayor of Basingstoke, Cllr Colin Phillimore, who spoke about his love for the local area and its connection to Jane Austen. 

The Community Centre was buzzing with stalls, a very popular cafe serving Regency style treats and a stage set up for performances and talks. 

I met the talented artist behind the gorgeous map, Jo South, who had various art prints featuring the local area on display. You can access her work on her website and on her Facebook page where you can see short videos of how she created the map and also photos of the trail markers being set up by volunteers at various locations. 

I was delighted to notice several shop windows decked up to commemorate the occasion and I actually purchased some Regency accessories at one of the shops! 

I also had a delicious meal at the White Hart, which was a coaching inn during Jane Austen's times. Coaches would depart for London from here. 

If you are interested in doing a trail, there are three trails to choose from:  

• a 2 1/2 miles circular walking trail
• a 9 mile waymarked walking trail with shorter options 
• a 12 mile cycle trail

I cannot wait to do one of these trails and share with you how I get on! 

Click here for further information on the trails: www.overtonjaneaustentrails.org.